The drive was without drama and as soon as we arrived at Wasdale we used the facilities at the Inn, donned our walking boots, packed our rucksacks with waterproofs and warm clothes, reviewed the map and handheld gps and set off...
The climb was abrupt and direct and for the first mile or so followed Lingmell Gill. Then the path took a left and the easy part was over.... from here on the path was only apparent by searching for the next cairn. Then we needed to pick our way across a field of stones and boulders as best we could to identify the next cairn... This continued endlessly to the summit.
I don't mind admitting that I found this climb the most technical and the most tiring... it was difficult to find a rhythm and I knew that I had not fully recovered from yesterday's assault of Ben Nevis. Today climbing became a psychological as well as physical challenge and I have to thank Greg and Neil for their patience and encouragement as I dragged my 'sorry ass' up the mountain. As we reached our third waypoint on top of Pikes Crag the wind picked up as we entered the clouds... visibility was down to 20-30 feet as we agreed to keep each other in site as we picked our way precariously across 
what can only be described as a scree and rubble field to the summit. The summit was a 'white out' and was cold, windy & inhospitable... We sheltered as best we could to eat some high energy snacks and add layers of thermal clothing and waterproof jackets... the descent would be less physically demanding and our body temperatures would likely fall.The descent was as technically demanding as the climb so our progress was slow as we picked our way tentatively from one secure foothold to the next. Once back to the path following Lingmell Gill it became clear that running down the mountain was actually more comfortable and arguably safer than walking. Certainly there was less load on our knees/legs and progress was immeasurably quicker....
We arrived back at the car in a surprisingly good time of 3.5 hrs... considering the conditions and my pitiful pace on the early ascent.
I had mixed feelings as we changed into dry clothes and bade farewell to Neil.... It was great to have completed the 3 Peaks Challenge, but sad to be saying 'good bye' to Neil and resigning ourselves to a further 5 hour drive back to North Wales....
Back at the boat now just after midnight... tired legs, very smelly and my brain is slowly shutting down for the night... one last thing to do - raise a glass and toast our success, whilst contemplating the impact our funds will have at Nongon School, Northern Thailand.
Tim & Greg signing off for the last time.....
3 comments:
Congratulations on completing the 3 peaks guys and raising more money for the school.
How annoying, that again the weather has conspired against the cause and prevented the adventure from going ahead according to plan. Wish we could have joined you again but S's leg and knee were in no way up to it after injuries.
It's hard to believe that almost a year has passed since Bravo and 'Mouse' were on board Stray Cat and making our way around this fine Island of ours.
Anyway, well done both, glad you made it home safely and congratulations again.
Oh and Tim, I think you need to get some new driving shoes my friend, probably ones without the lead lined sole that presses down too much on the accelerator pedal of that fine car of yours ;O)
All the best and here's to the children of Nongon school! Did someone say beer? Hooray!
Cheers CB & mouse.... great to know that u were following our progress, we felt quite alone @ times! Already thinking of next year's challenge.... u 2 up 4 it ?
Tim
Definitely up for a challenge next year, hopefully we will be both fit and well.
Round the uk in 7 days on a rib? I liked the sound of that one. Is it do-able?
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